McComas, W. (2011). The science fair a new look at an old tradtion. The Science Teacher, Retrieved from http://learningcenter.nsta.org/my_learning_center/my_library.aspx?type=ja __The Science Fair: A New Look at an Old Tradition__ Review:
I haven’t heard of a science fair in years and that is why this article grabbed me. Science fairs are authentic, inquiry based projects that students undertake to use the scientific method to do an experiment on their own. Science fairs used to be a rite of passage in middle and high school but they have seemed to disappear over the years because teachers don’t have time to cover extra stuff in their curriculums, they are more worried about increasing NECAP scores. Science fairs can be local, regional and state wide and are funded by big professional associations or nature societies and the winners get prizes, awards or scholarships. According to Google Science Fair 2011, people can win millions of dollars these days as prize money at science fairs. It was also discussed how 75% of schools hosted a science fair last year and 68% said they would do it again next year but the New York Times reports that sponsorship of science fairs has declined because educators just didn’t have the time, it is a large amount of work and students feel there is a lack of reward. The focus on learning goals and standardized tests has overridden these types of optional activities. New teachers aren’t familiar with the process so this could be a reason in the decline, the amount of time and energy it takes to put into this type of project, and parents aren’t involved as much and don’t have the time and expertise to spend with their kids to help them with these tasks. Science fairs are a lot of work, but the end result is well worth it. It is just a matter of creating the time and taking the initiative to commit to doing it so students can have authentic, inquiry based learning.
Reaction:
I was shocked to read about science fairs, I thought that they were a thing of the past. If we are moving towards more inquiry based learning then this seems like it would fit despite its limitations with time, preparation and commitment. I think that science fairs should come back; it is a wholesome event that creates one’s own learning accomplishments. Students take pride in this kind of work and are good for science morale and authentic inquiry. I know that teachers are worried about test scores but this could be a way to connect to students and encourage more inquiry based activities. I think schools should try to promote them more and if rewards were worth while it would extrinsically persuade students to participate. It may be sad but thats the encouragement that students need to do extra work, I feel like students dont intrinsically want to undertake such projects without getting something tangible.
Article Review
McComas, W. (2011). The science fair a new look at an old tradtion. The Science Teacher, Retrieved from http://learningcenter.nsta.org/my_learning_center/my_library.aspx?type=ja
__The Science Fair: A New Look at an Old Tradition__
Review:
I haven’t heard of a science fair in years and that is why this article grabbed me. Science fairs are authentic, inquiry based projects that students undertake to use the scientific method to do an experiment on their own. Science fairs used to be a rite of passage in middle and high school but they have seemed to disappear over the years because teachers don’t have time to cover extra stuff in their curriculums, they are more worried about increasing NECAP scores. Science fairs can be local, regional and state wide and are funded by big professional associations or nature societies and the winners get prizes, awards or scholarships. According to Google Science Fair 2011, people can win millions of dollars these days as prize money at science fairs. It was also discussed how 75% of schools hosted a science fair last year and 68% said they would do it again next year but the New York Times reports that sponsorship of science fairs has declined because educators just didn’t have the time, it is a large amount of work and students feel there is a lack of reward. The focus on learning goals and standardized tests has overridden these types of optional activities. New teachers aren’t familiar with the process so this could be a reason in the decline, the amount of time and energy it takes to put into this type of project, and parents aren’t involved as much and don’t have the time and expertise to spend with their kids to help them with these tasks. Science fairs are a lot of work, but the end result is well worth it. It is just a matter of creating the time and taking the initiative to commit to doing it so students can have authentic, inquiry based learning.
Reaction:
I was shocked to read about science fairs, I thought that they were a thing of the past. If we are moving towards more inquiry based learning then this seems like it would fit despite its limitations with time, preparation and commitment. I think that science fairs should come back; it is a wholesome event that creates one’s own learning accomplishments. Students take pride in this kind of work and are good for science morale and authentic inquiry. I know that teachers are worried about test scores but this could be a way to connect to students and encourage more inquiry based activities. I think schools should try to promote them more and if rewards were worth while it would extrinsically persuade students to participate. It may be sad but thats the encouragement that students need to do extra work, I feel like students dont intrinsically want to undertake such projects without getting something tangible.